Increasing sweetpotato diversity in Central Luzon [Philippines] through participatory evaluation
2010
Borromeo, T.H. | Adion, I. | Villavicencio, M.L.H. | De Chavez, H.D. | Rubion, L.G., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Inst. of Plant Breeding
The study aimed to increase genetic diversity of sweetpotato in Central Luzon through introduction of varieties based on the criteria set by the various stakeholders. On-station and on-farm evaluation of the introduced varieties were conducted in four towns in Tarlac. The towns represented the different agro-ecological conditions and type of market. The commonly grown varieties, namely Super Bureau and Taiwan served as control in the trials. Sensory evaluation of the varieties was also conducted. Stakeholders considered vegetative growth, root characteristics, root yield and pest resistance important in the selection of sweetpotato varieties. Taste, color and texture are also considered important. Out of the introduced 24 varieties, only four varieties namely NSIC31, PSBSp23, PSBSp17 and NSICSp25 were maintained by stakeholders. Result of the on-farm evaluation revealed that high yield is not the major determinant to the adoption of SP variety by growers/traders. Acceptability and subsequent adoption depends on its marketability. Preferences for taste and eating quality are oftentimes undermined in favor of the variety's potential for a comparable or better market opportunity and income as Super Bureau. Stakeholder participation prior to, during and after the variety introduction process was found to be useful in the acceptance of new varieties. The conservation and sustainable use of SP varieties was also found to be linked to agro-ecological conditions of the farmers' fields, management practices and the type of market.
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